Papers

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

This review covers where microplastics come from, how they form, and their toxic effects on humans, noting that microplastics have been found in blood, stool, sputum, saliva, and placenta. The paper links microplastic exposure to cancer, intestinal disease, cardiovascular problems, and inflammatory conditions, and describes cleanup methods including filtration, adsorption, and photocatalytic degradation.

Microplastic pollution in commercially important edible marine bivalves: A comprehensive review

This review summarizes research on microplastic contamination in edible shellfish like mussels, clams, and oysters, which accumulate high levels of plastic particles in their tissues. Because bivalves are eaten whole including their digestive systems, they are a direct pathway for microplastics to enter the human body. While microplastics do not appear to kill shellfish outright, they can harm their immune systems and reproduction, potentially affecting both shellfish populations and human consumers.

Microplastic contamination in green mussels (Perna viridis Linnaeus, 1858) from traditional seafood markets in Jakarta, Indonesia, and an evaluation of potential hazards

Researchers examined green mussels sold at traditional seafood markets in Jakarta, Indonesia, and found microplastic contamination in every sample tested. The most common types were black fibers made of polymers like rayon and polyethylene, with chemical analysis revealing potentially harmful additives. Since mussels are filter feeders that concentrate particles from seawater, eating contaminated shellfish is a direct route for microplastic exposure in humans.

The presence and physico-chemical properties of microplastics in seawater, sediment, and several organs of the spotted scat fish (Scatophagus argus, Linnaeus, 1766) collected from different locations along the East Java coast in Indonesia

Scientists examined microplastic contamination in seawater, sediments, and spotted scat fish along the East Java coast in Indonesia. Microplastics were found in every sample, including in the fish's gills, stomach, and intestines, with fibers being the most common type. Since these fish are consumed by local communities, the presence of microplastics throughout their organs raises questions about human dietary exposure through Indonesian seafood.

Evaluation of the microplastics in bivalves and water column at Pantai Teluk Likas, North Borneo, Malaysia

Researchers found microplastics in all three species of shellfish and in the surrounding water at a popular beach in Sabah, Malaysia. One clam species contained over 113 microplastic particles per gram, primarily fibers made of common plastics like nylon and polypropylene. Since these shellfish are eaten by local communities, the contamination raises concerns about human exposure to microplastics through seafood consumption.

Microplastic contamination in green mussels (Perna viridis Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the traditional fish markets along the East Java coast of Indonesia and the associated risk assessment

Researchers analyzed green mussels from five traditional fish markets along the East Java coast of Indonesia and found microplastic contamination in all samples, primarily in the form of fibers and fragments smaller than 500 micrometers. The polymer hazard index ranged from high to very high across all market locations, and various harmful chemicals associated with plastic production were detected in the mussel tissues. The findings raise health concerns for communities that regularly consume these mussels as a dietary staple.

Assessment of Microplastics in the Surface Water of Mengkabong and Salut Rivers of Sabah, Malaysia

Researchers conducted the first study of microplastic pollution in rivers in Sabah, Malaysia, finding microplastics at every sampling location. The Salut River had significantly higher concentrations than the Mengkabong River, with fibers being the dominant shape, likely originating from textile washing, fishing, and aquaculture activities. The study provides important baseline data on microplastic contamination in a region where such pollution had not previously been documented.

Plastic waste and microplastic issues in Southeast Asia

This review examines the plastic waste and microplastic crisis across Southeast Asia, a region that contributes significantly to global ocean plastic pollution. The authors found that inadequate waste collection, limited recycling infrastructure, and rapid economic growth are driving the problem. The study evaluates current waste management systems and proposes strategies for improving plastic waste reduction in these countries.

Insight into photocatalysis technology as a promising approach to tackle microplastics pollution through degradation and upcycling

The spatial distribution and physico-chemical characteristic of microplastics in the sediment and cockle (Anadara granosa) from the coastal waters of East Java, Indonesia, and the health hazards associated with cockle consumption

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in coastal sediments and cockles along the East Java coast of Indonesia and assessed the potential health risks from consuming the shellfish. They found microplastics, predominantly fibers and fragments, in all sediment and cockle tissue samples, with consumers potentially ingesting tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year. The findings raise concerns about dietary microplastic exposure for communities that regularly eat shellfish from these waters.

Evaluation of microplastics isolated from sea cucumber Acaudina molpadioides in Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia

Researchers examined sea cucumbers from Langkawi, Malaysia and found over 1,600 microplastic particles in their digestive tracts, with fibers making up more than 99% of the contamination. The most common polymer types identified were polyethylene and polymethyl methacrylate, with the majority of particles falling in the smallest size ranges. The findings raise concerns about potential human exposure to microplastics through seafood consumption.

Microplastics Isolated from Saltwater Clam Paratapes undulatus from Wet Market at Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Researchers analyzed saltwater clams sold at a wet market in Malaysia and found microplastics in the tissue of every sample examined. The most common types were fibers and fragments, primarily made of polyethylene and polypropylene. The study highlights that commercially sold shellfish can be a source of microplastic exposure for consumers.

Impact of face mask microplastics pollution on the aquatic environment and aquaculture organisms

This review examines how the widespread use of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Researchers found that mask materials made from polymers like polypropylene break down into microplastics through UV radiation and weathering, causing harm to aquatic organisms including reduced growth, neurotoxicity, and increased mortality. The study recommends developing biodegradable alternatives to plastic-based face masks to reduce environmental impact.

The effect of chronic microplastic exposure on the growth, biochemical responses, and histological changes of the juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra

Researchers exposed juvenile sea cucumbers to polymethylmethacrylate microplastics over 60 days and observed significant negative effects on growth, biochemical responses, and tissue structure. The study found dose-dependent impacts, with higher microplastic concentrations causing greater reductions in weight gain and more pronounced histological damage to the animals' organs.

The characteristics of microplastics and the associated metals on the surfaces of microplastics in green mussels (Perna viridis) collected from different water depths in the Bekasi Estuary, West Java, Indonesia

Researchers evaluated microplastics and associated metals in green mussels collected from different water depths in the Bekasi Estuary, Indonesia. They found that fragment-type microplastics smaller than 100 micrometers were most common, with eight different polymer types detected including PVC, polycarbonate, and polystyrene. Multiple metals including aluminum, chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were found adhered to the microplastic surfaces, raising concerns about combined contamination in this estuarine ecosystem.

Marine microplastics in the ASEAN region: A review of the current state of knowledge

This review synthesized available data on marine microplastic pollution across the ten ASEAN member nations, finding widespread contamination in coastal and open-water environments with significant knowledge gaps in several countries due to limited monitoring capacity.

An Overview into Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Hydrolases and Efforts in Tailoring Enzymes for Improved Plastic Degradation

This review examines the discovery and engineering of PET-degrading enzymes including PETase and cutinase variants, discussing protein engineering strategies to improve catalytic efficiency and thermostability for practical biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate plastic waste.

Recent advances in inspection technologies of food safety health hazards for fish and fish products

This review covers recent advances in detection technologies for food safety hazards in fish and fish products, including methods for identifying microplastics, biological contaminants, and chemical hazards. Researchers evaluated 21 detection approaches spanning spectroscopic, immunological, biosensor, and chromatographic techniques. The study serves as a guide for researchers working on seafood safety and emphasizes the importance of keeping pace with evolving detection technologies.

The roles of carbonaceous wastes for catalysis, energy, and environmental remediation

This review examines how carbon materials derived from carbonaceous wastes can be used for energy generation and environmental cleanup applications. The study covers synthesis methods, doping strategies, and the physical and chemical properties of these materials, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives for catalysis, pollutant removal, and remediation of contaminated environments.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Microplastics Using Ag/TiO2: Recent Advances in Mechanism, Synthesis and Properties

Microplastics in green mussels (Perna viridis) from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, and the associated hazards to human health posed by their consumption

Researchers found microplastics in all 120 green mussels sampled from Jakarta Bay, identifying 12 polymer types, and estimated that Indonesian shellfish consumers may ingest up to 775,000 microplastic particles annually depending on consumption levels.

Draft genome of novel cyanobacteria Sphaerothrix Gracilis isolated from coastal microplastics reveal insights to chemical ecology, bloom and plastic-utilization potential

Researchers isolated and characterized a novel cyanobacterium, Sphaerothrix gracilis, from the surface of foam microplastics in tropical coastal waters. Genome sequencing revealed genes associated with antibiotic resistance, nitrogen fixation, plastic degradation, and harmful metabolite production. The study highlights both the potential bioremediation applications and the ecological risks of cyanobacteria that colonize and are transported on floating microplastic debris.

Identification, Abundance, and Chemical Characterization of Macro-, Meso-, and Microplastics in the Intertidal Zone Sediments of Two Selected Beaches in Sabah, Malaysia

Researchers identified and characterized macro-, meso-, and microplastics in intertidal sediments of two beaches in Sabah, Malaysia, finding significant plastic contamination with heavy metal associations that pose potential ecological risks to coastal environments.

<i>Sphaerothrix gracilis gen.</i> et sp. nov. (<scp>Nodosilineales, Cyanobacteria</scp>): a novel filamentous cyanobacterium isolated from tropical coastal microplastics

Researchers described a new genus and species of cyanobacteria, Sphaerothrix gracilis, isolated from foam microplastic particles found in tropical coastal beach sediments near Singapore. The organism belongs to the Nodosilineaceae family and was characterized through both morphological and molecular analysis. The discovery highlights that microplastics in marine environments serve as substrates for microbial colonization, including previously unknown species of cyanobacteria.